Campsites around Ashaway, Rhode Island sit at elevations between 100-400 feet above sea level in the western part of the state. The region experiences humid continental climate with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F during peak camping season and evening temperatures dropping to 60-65°F. Many campsites offer wooded settings with partial to full shade, providing natural cooling during summer months.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing access: The canoe sites at Hopeville Pond State Park Campground provide direct waterfront access for paddlers. "These are tent only. You park and walk about 100 yards to the site. There are only four sites in this secluded section of the campground. Sites CN02, CN03 and CN04 have direct waterfront on the pond. You can launch kayaks, paddle boards, etc right from the site!" according to Jason S.
Family recreation facilities: Wawaloam Campground offers extensive water features during summer months. "Besides the pool they have a splash pad, a water slide, mini golf, a nice pond for fishing. The playground is nice. The grounds are well taken care of," notes Cynthia K. The water park area includes two swimming pools that generally operate from late May through early September.
Beach proximity: Waterfront camping at Charlestown Breachway State Park Campground puts you steps from Block Island Sound. Justin F. explains: "There is a more 'private' sandy area near the water sites (close to sites 70's) where we were able to pull up a chair and sit in the water. Minimal waves and lots of people watching. There were many people fishing and reeling them in."
What campers like
Year-round options: While most area campgrounds close for winter, Mystic KOA operates throughout the year for those seeking off-season camping near Ashaway. "We go to Mystic Connecticut every year and always stay in a hotel. From here on out we will do our annual trip with our camper at Mystic KOA! It provided us the opportunity to have our own space all while still enjoying our favorite activities in the area," shares Jenn.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention facility cleanliness as a highlight at several campgrounds. At Sun Outdoors Mystic, "The bathrooms and showers are spotless and newly painted. Our site didn't have sewer, but the electric and water were working fine. We saw maintenance people making repairs while we were there," reports Pam R.
Varied site layouts: Burlingame State Park Campground offers diverse camping environments within one property. Andrew P. describes: "Hundreds of sites, some level some not, some dirt sites, some grassy, some with a ton of shade, some out in the open, excellent for bikes, there are in-camp roads, so big you can get lost(sorta)."
What you should know
Varying site spacing: Campground density differs dramatically between properties. At Mystic KOA, Tony B. notes: "Call me old school, but when I camp, I want trees, space between sites, and privacy from neighboring sites. You won't get that here. Think of row houses in any city and that's what you get here."
Cost differences for residents vs. non-residents: Rhode Island state parks have significant price variances. Lee D. explains about Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground: "The rates for out of state campers are significantly more than for residents. I'm used to paying $5 or even $10 more for being from out of state but here the fee is double or more for out-of-state campers."
Reservation timing: The best places to camp near Ashaway, Rhode Island fill quickly during summer. For Whispering Pines Campground, Johnny W. advises: "Our site we picked back in January was GREAT! Caters more to the seasonal campers than transients but still a good experience."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Family-oriented amenities vary widely between campgrounds. At Strawberry Park, "Kids had fun on the many play grounds. It was a bit too cold outside but the pools and hot tubs looked nice. Splash pad was clean and used by kids. Lots of roads to bike on and walk dogs," according to Michael C.
Indoor recreation options: For rainy day contingencies, seek campgrounds with covered facilities. Michelle D. shares about Strawberry Park: "When my family went here it poured! And we were thankful that there were so many things to do, painting ceramics, karaoke, an arcade (at the time it had DDR which was all the rage)."
Site selection for quiet: Strategic site selection helps with family camping. For Burlingame State Park, David M. suggests: "If you want a good visit do not stay down by the lake!!!" This simple advice helps families avoid high-traffic areas where noise may be more prevalent.
Tips from RVers
Self-contained requirements: Several waterfront campgrounds near Ashaway have specific RV requirements. At Charlestown Breachway, Jean C. explains: "If you have a self-contained RV (no pop-up/canvas; permanent toilets/water tanks), like the beach, fishing, boating, and/or windsurfing, this may just be the park for you."
Generator hours: Noise limitations affect dry camping comfort. Jae H. notes about Charlestown Breachway: "A lot of campers run their generator, so be prepared to hear/smell them. But quiet hours are very respected." Generator use is typically restricted to 8am-8pm at most campgrounds without electrical hookups.
Pull-through availability: Level sites with easy access matter for larger rigs. At Wawaloam Campground, Joseph M. reports: "Hookups were awesome and easy. Layout is amazing, mostly pull through and pet friendly."
